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Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Sun May 20, 2018 1:19 pm
by parkview
Hi,

a few of us are really into electronics and using KiCAD for making PCB designs. Back in August 2016, Stephen ran an introduction to KiCAD session: http://www.swmakers.org/blog/archives/08-2016

Maybe it's time to run another KiCAD design event? We are thinking it could be something practicable, ie:

  • the above TP4056 battery charger, but include an assortment of different sized plugs
  • a simple ESP2866 based PCB that includes various LED's, switches and a buzzer etc
  • an Arduino based add on board, that contains various LED's, switches and a buzzer etc
  • what would you like create?

Once the electronic KiCAD based schematic is designed, we will continue on using KiCAD to design up the PCB layout. It costs around AUD$20 to have a batch of 10 panellised PCB's produced in Shenzhen

PCB panellised example:
Image

It can take anywhere from 4 days (costs $26 extra) to 5 weeks for the boards to be shipped from China to Bunbury.

These PCB's could contain a mixture of through hole and surface mount components. This would then make a handy practice soldering kit for people wanting to learn more about electronics etc.

Anyone interested? What would you like to design and construct?

NOTE: no knowledge of electronics is needed, as a relevant circuit diagram will be provided. You will need to bring along a laptop or lug along a computer so you can learn to use KiCAD.

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Sun May 27, 2018 11:17 am
by Jubbp
As usual, I'd be in for another session or two :) :)

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 10:15 am
by DJCoopes
how do you get the boards printed in shenzen?

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:00 pm
by parkview
There are now a few low cost PCB Manufactures. I have used the following:

Seeed https://www.seeedstudio.com/fusion_pcb.html ; Will also do component assembly
DirtyPCBs http://dirtypcbs.com/store/pcbs
PCBWay https://www.pcbway.com/ ; Will also do component assembly

And have looked at some others like:
WellPCB https://www.wellpcb.com/ ; Will also do component assembly
Elerow https://www.elecrow.com/pcb-manufacturing.html ; Will also do component assembly

Some are a bit more transparent up front on costs and easier to use than others. Happy to catch up for a chat if you already have a PCB you want to send off, or want to know more. Otherwise we will cover this in at the end of the training session. Just for fun, we might even send a board off and get it manufactured at the end of the training session.

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Tue May 29, 2018 2:03 pm
by seaton
My thoughts are

1) For training sessions I'd wait until v5 has been released (currently 5.0RC2 has just been released for ubuntu) - this is form the dev list I'm on, then I could do a refresher with new features etc.

2) My initial thought of when we spoke was to have a "PCB business card" for southwest maker members that we can hand out at events that is a bare bones unpopulated PCB, however doubles as "something" i.e. it has a function could be used as a basic arduino or battery charger or something fun i.e. a programable MPU, or as simple as a blinking light? But also can be used in learning to solder electronic components, whether they be PTH type components for basic soldering or more advanced SMD.

If we to every run a how to solder class it would revolve around this. same goes for say programming an arduino? guess what? they can use the project they soldered in the first workshop.


anyway my 10c :)

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Tue May 29, 2018 2:27 pm
by Jubbp
I think a class with the end product in mind is a great idea and the "makers badge" is a great idea.

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 4:32 pm
by DJCoopes
i agree with seaton, some kind of arduino nano embedded into the pcb card would be cool

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 8:09 pm
by parkview
Yes, could use an Arduino Nano, but a ESP2866 is a bit cheaper, and has a smaller form factor, plus is already wireless :D

Just for some fun, I have started on a small VERY simple low cost SMD soldering kit. Might be around the size of a 20c or 5c coin. I ordered the parts this week, but have to wait for the coin battery holder to arrive so I can design up the foot print for it :(

I am thinking of doing a series of them, as they will gain complexity with each new version - and the parts cost will go up as well.

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 1:41 pm
by DJCoopes
a cool project to do with the ESP2866 would be controlling a character lcd

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:40 pm
by parkview
Yes, the ESP2866 is easy to use and solder. I use it in the post photo. While a bit more expensive and advanced, it could be used in conjunction with an ePaper display: http://www.swmakers.org/blog/sw-makers-april-2017-eaton-meeting. It's YAP (Yet Another Project) in the pipeline ;)

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 5:03 pm
by DJCoopes
Where do you get the ESP8266?

Re: Learning KiCAD, PCB Production and Soldering

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:31 pm
by parkview